the outdoor campus sioux falls - south dakota
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2020|Fall Program Guide
4500 S Oxbow Ave | Sioux Falls, SD | 605.362.2777
outdoorcampus.org
The Outdoor Campus
The Outdoor Campus
Sioux Falls
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Hello, Fall!
Dear Friends—
The Fall of 2020 looks very different from the start of last fall for
many of us. For others, not much has changed. We are learning to
adapt to what seems to be constant change in the ways we go to
school, shop, socialize and work. The Outdoor Campus has not
been exempt from this but we are diligently working on a Plan A, B
and C, like so many of you.
The safety and well-being of our guests, participants and staff are
our top priority. That being said, you will notice that class sizes
will be smaller and classroom space larger, temperature checks
and routine equipment sanitation will be done for every program.
Masks will not be required but will be encouraged and will be worn
by staff if it is not possible for us to social distance. We will be
offering and experimenting with a variety of programming styles
including Facebook videos, Zoom and self-led options. Be sure to
check our social media outlets to stay up to date on how fall will
develop.
Please remember to be kind and patient with everyone you meet,
we are all handling change differently.
Kindest regards,
Sandy,
Community Program Coordinator
Special Considerations because of COVID-19:
Due to the variability caused by COVID-19, Outdoor Campus
participants should be aware that the Campus reserves the
right to cancel classes for any reason as related to
COVID-19. The Outdoor Campus strives to offer quality
programming that is safe, so we will take precautions as
needed based on SD GFP and CDC direction.
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FALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPENS
at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2020
THREE WAYS TO REGISTER
1. Online at outdoorcampus.org
2. In person at The Outdoor Campus.
3. Call us at 605.362.2777
COST
All programs are free! Thank a hunter or angler for supporting our education efforts!
PRE-REGISTRATION
Preregistration is required of all classes and programs unless noted.
WAIVER
All participants signed up for programs must have a waiver signed in order to
participate. The waiver is available on our registration site or in person at The Outdoor
Campus.
CANCELLATIONS
Many programs fill quickly. PLEASE call us or cancel on the website as soon as
possible if you cannot attend a class. Our waiting list automatically fills from your
cancellation.
WAITING LISTS
Do not be afraid to sign up on our waiting lists. People often cancel and if you’re on
the list your name will automatically move into the class and you will be notified by
email.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Please inform us of any special needs, mobility concerns, allergies or other health
concerns when scheduling. **WE ARE NOT A PEANUT FREE FACILITY**
OUR HOURS
The Outdoor Campus is open Monday—Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. We are closed on Sundays, State and Federal holidays. Watch our Facebook,
Instagram and Twitter feeds for the most updated information.
NOTE TO PARENTS
When dropping off your children for our programs, please
remember that you must come into the building to retrieve them
at the end of class. Please know that your child’s safety is our
greatest priority. Thank you!
REGISTRATION & Information
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Adult Only Programs Shotgunning Basics
This class will give you hands-on learning in a safe environment with skilled instructors. This will be an
excellent class for beginners for those who need a refresher or a little extra help. All equipment will be
provided. Shot Gunning Basics will be held at the Crooks Gun Club.
Location: Crooks Gun Club, 2808 259th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
Age: Adults, 18 and up
Class size: 5
Class Date: Tuesday, October 27, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
All Ages/Family Programs Archery Basics
Learn how to shoot our compound and long bows. Equipment, safety instruction and proper stance will
all be discussed and demonstrated at our archery range.
Age: Family, ages 5 and up
Class size: 15
Date: Thursday, September 10, 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 10 to 11 a.m. OR 1 to 2 p.m.
Paddling
Learn the difference between canoes and kayaks and the paddles that go with them. We will discuss
and practice water safety, paddling strokes, how to get in and out and enjoy the great outdoors. Wear
shoes that can get wet!
Age: All ages, recommended 5 and up for canoes and 8 and up for kayaks
Class size 15
Date: Saturday, September 12, 10 to 11 a.m. OR 1 to 2 p.m., Tuesday, September 15, 6 to 7 p.m.
Family Fishing
We’ll start with a basic introduction including what equipment and do some practice casting. Down at
the pond, we will put our new skills to use and, with a little luck, bring in a big one!
Age: Family program, ages 3 and up
Class size: 15
Date: Saturday, September 19, 10 to 11 a.m. OR 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 6 to 7 p.m.
Family Trapping 101 Come and learn about trapping in this comprehensive and hands on learning adventure. We will discuss
popular fur bearers in South Dakota, their habits and habitats, and how to be successful at trapping
them. We will take our new knowledge outside to look at sign and make some real sets. Minors must be
accompanied by an adult.
Age: Family, recommended 5 and up
Class size: 15
Date: Saturday, September 19, 10 to 11 a.m.
Wetland Ecology
Interested in Fly Fishing? Curious about the tiny creatures that live in the
water? This class will help you collect and identify the macro-invertebrates (critter without backbones)
that call our pond home, helping you pick the
perfect fly for fishing and judge the health of the water!
Age: all ages, youth 5 and up with adult
Class size: 15
Date: Saturday, September 26, 10 to 11 a.m. OR 1 to 2 p.m.
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Family Programs Pheasant Hunting Basics
A South Dakota hunting tradition, pheasant hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the fall! Learn
about pheasants and hunting safety with hands on activities.
Age: all ages, recommended ages 8 and up
Class size: 15
Class Date: Saturday, September 26, 10 to 11 a.m. OR 1 to 2 p.m.
Outdoor Survival Learn what basic supplies you should have with you and how to use them in case of an emergency in the
outdoors. This class will provide crucial information with lots of hands on activities.
Age: Family, recommended ages 12 and up
Class size 15
Date: Thursday, September 29, 6 to 7p.m.
Waterfowl Hunting Basics
Waterfowl hunting is scouting, waking up early, setting up decoys, learning the right calls for the right
birds, laying in a blind, standing in the reeds or sitting in a boat, cold … or hot … and wet. In short, it’s
hard work! But it is also a ton of FUN and a successful hunt or even unsuccessful hunt will leave you
with lots of memories and satisfaction. This class will touch upon the basics and help get you started in
the right direction.
Age: All Ages, recommended 8 and up
Class size: 15
Class Date: Saturday, October 3, 10 to 11 a.m.
BB Gun Target Shooting
Firearm safety, eye dominance, stance style and other great tips and tricks for successful shot
placement are the goal of this program. All equipment will be provided.
Age: All ages; recommended 8 and up
Class size: 15
Date: Saturdays October 10 and 17, 10 to 11 a.m. OR 1 to 2 p.m.
Explore Bow Hunting Learn the skills to become a successful bow hunter through a variety of hands on activities that will
teach you about hunter ethics, shot placement and technique.
Age: All Ages, recommended 8 and up
Class size: 15
Class Date: Tuesday October 13, 6 to 7 p.m.
Owl tell you all about it Meet Ace and Mr. Lincoln. These two special feathered guests will help us have a fun, hands-on learning
experience about owls and their adaptations.
Age: Family, recommended 5 and up
Class size: 15
Date: Saturday, October 17 10 to 11 a.m. OR 1 to 2 p.m.
Fall Nature Haiku Hike
Explore our trails with our naturalists as they feature some of their favorite places in our park. Learn how
to write a haiku, a type of Japanese poetry, to express your hiking experience!
Age: Family, ages 8 and up
Class size: 10
Dates: Saturday, November 14, 10 to 11 a.m.
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Citizen Science Project Feeder Watch
The Outdoor Campus has participated in Project Feeder Watch for over 10 years. Project Feeder Watch
is a winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas and
other locales in North America. Anyone can do it! Learn about backyard bird identification and how to get
started with the University of Cornell project. Family program. Each family will leave with a bird
feeder and bag of bird seed.
Age: All ages, recommended 5 and up
Class size: 15
Date: Saturdays, October 3 OR 17, 3 to 4 p.m.
ZOOM Programs In an effort to stay connected with our participants we will be offering some ZOOM programming. Details
are still in the works but we are excited and are looking forward to the Bats program on September 24!
ZOOM - Bats in South Dakota
Bats are so much more than a Fall decoration. In fact, did you know South Dakota has 13 different
species of bats that eat 1000s of insects each night? Wildlife Biologist, Silka Kempema, will tell us about
South Dakota bat biology and habitat needs. We will discuss and showcase different activities and
resources about bats.
***We also will have a bat house giveaway – recipients must be able to come to The Outdoor Campus in
Sioux Falls to pick up the bat house within a week of being notified.
Age: All ages, recommended for ages 5 and up
Date: Thursday, September 24, 4 to 5 p.m.
Email Sandy Richter at [email protected] to receive the Member ID and Passcode.
Watch our Facebook page for more upcoming
ZOOM Programs!
Self-Led & Information Stations Be sure to check the front and
back door areas of The Outdoor
Campus building. There are
brochure racks with GFP hunting
and fishing information and
handbooks in the front, scavenger
hunt sheets and orienteering maps
at the back door to guide you on
the trails. We will rotate the
activities throughout the fall.
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FIELD DAY ONLY
After completing your online HuntSAFE course you may want or need some
hands-on experience. That’s what this Field Day will do for you or your child.
Participants will gain hands on experience and knowledge of handling fire arms
when getting in and out of a vehicle, crossing fences and walking in the field. They
will learn how to safely load and unload a shotgun. Participants will also be given
the opportunity to shoot at clay pigeons and hone in on their aiming skills. This
class will meet at The Crooks Gun Club, 2808 259th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
Participants MUST complete the online HuntSAFE course at
hunter-ed.com/southdakota
and be registered for the field day at
https://gfpga.sd.gov/outdoor-learning/hunter-education/ClassList.aspx
in order to attend.
Class Date:
Tuesday, September 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Crooks Gun Club, 2808 259th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
For more information on Hunter Education in South Dakota go to
gfp.sd.gov/hunter-education/
HuntSafe
Find Us Online
Facebook @outdoorcampusSF
Twitter @outdoorcampusSF
Instagram @outdoorcampus_siouxfalls
Find our website outdoorcampus.org
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Examples include:
Program Assistance
(fishing, paddling, outdoor cooking, etc.)
Gardening |Animal Care |Special Events | Front Desk Duty
Volunteer
Opportunities
By becoming a volunteer
at The Outdoor Campus,
you will experience a
variety of opportunities
that will increase your
own and other’s
awareness of South
Dakota’s great outdoors.
How To Get Started!
1) Submit a completed application form on The Outdoor Campus website.
www.outdoorcampus.org
2) Alex, our volunteer coordinator, will call to set up an interview once your
application is received and reviewed.
3) Once your interview and background check are completed, Alex will
schedule an orientation to get you more familiar with The Outdoor Campus
and what you’ll be doing here!
4) Finally, after the orientation, you’ll be ready to start volunteering! You will
be able to sign up online for whatever available programs you choose.
Be a Volunteer!
Our volunteers are the best!
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Founded by GFP in 1997
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks provides sustainable
outdoor recreational opportunities through responsible
management of our state’s parks, fisheries and wildlife by fostering
partnerships, cultivating stewardship and safely connecting people
with the outdoors.
MISSION STATEMENT
About The Outdoor Campus
How are these classes FREE? Our funding comes from the sale of hunting and fishing
licenses in South Dakota. If you like our classes thank a hunter or an angler.
How can we support The Outdoor Campus?
Buy a hunting and fishing license in South Dakota. Nationwide the sale of licenses are
declining rapidly as we lose the Baby Boomer Generation. They were the last large group
of hunters and anglers. We need to replace the funds they put toward habitat, wildlife
management, conservation, recreation and education. Every single license you buy in your
family helps fisheries, pheasant habitat and so much more—including The Outdoor
Campus.
Do you get any other funds?
We do receive some funding from a Federal excise tax on hunting and fishing equipment
sales. A small portion of each fishing pole or shotgun you buy can go toward hunting and
fishing programs here.